The Luxury Hotel Insider

The Luxury Hotel Insider:Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance.

Named one of Tripbase's Best Luxury Travel Blogs for 2011, below are Five Star Alliance's newest articles featuring exclusive information on luxury hotels worldwide including special offers and deals at the world's best hotels.

Considered one of the U.S.A.'s most culturally and historically diverse cities, New Orleans is a melting pot of culture, food, and music. Offering a host of restaurants, live music venues, historical sites, and cultural attractions, along with a long list of luxury hotel options, it can be difficult to choose where to stay.

Here are Three Boutique Hotel options in New Orleans:

1. The Audubon Cottages provide a historic setting in the French Quarter, with one and two bedroom suites set within seven private cottages. Offering a high level of service, guests have full access to additional amenities at the Dauphine Orleans Hotel including valet parking, fitness center, and continental breakfast. Continue below the photo.Check rates and availability at the Audubon Cottages >>

2.Set in the French Quarter, the iconicBourbon Orleans Hotel offers a historic venue that recently underwent a multi-million dollar transformation. Classically furnished, guest rooms are designed for the modern traveler with plush pillowtop beds and walk-in showers. Steps away from Bourbon and Royal Streets, the hotel has a private courtyard with an outdoor pool, plus the Roux on Orleans restaurant. Read more below. Check rates and availability at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel >>

3. Modern and trendy, the Hotel Le Marais is a chic hotel in the French Quarter. Combining a historic backdrop with contemporary styling, the trendy bar Vive! features signature cocktails, and a chic lounge that opens to a French Quarter courtyard with a heated outdoor pool and lounge space. Check rates and availability at Hotel Le Marais >>

Nestled mid-mountain amongst the pines, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, offers ski-in/ski-out access to Northstar California. The family-friendly retreat features a variety of snow activities, après ski experiences, and signature offerings, including the Marshmology program that happens nightly at the firepits with winter-themed s'mores and details about the history of marshmallows (photo below). In addition, the mountain resort announced new winter offerings and introduced Executive Chef Mark Jeffers and Pastry Chef Shawna Peterson to its culinary program. Read more below the photo. Après-Ski Programs
Offered daily by the resort fire pits from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Après-Ski Champagne Experience* features a raw bar with chef-prepared favorites including ceviche and oysters on the half shell, and Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial. The Après Yoga & Strech combines gentle movements to rejuvenate tired muscles for a day on the slopes, and the Après-Ski Recovery spa treatment is a tension relief-focused treatment for aching muscles that includes the Arnica Turmeric Joint formulas a take home gift. Continue reading below. Winter Activities
The Winter Stargazing Snowshoe Tour* is led by local star guide and poet, Tony Berendsen. Offered December 21, December 28, January 14, and February 11, guests are taken on a winter starry night snowshoe tour that includes a laser tour of constellations, telescopic viewing, educational presentation, space quiz for prizes, and a poetry reading. For families, the Winter Scavenger Hunt encourages young travelers to use a map to find hidden objects and win prizes. There's also the Where is the Bear? hide-and-seek program held daily in the living room, as well as special Ritz Kidz winter offerings. Read more below. Culinary Offerings
The Winter Vintner Dinner Series includes a four-course meal highlighting Northern California wineries, and will be held on January 12, February 9, and March 9. The resort's signature restaurant, Manzanita will also offer Sunday Brunch, plus a Skier's Lunch Buffet will be offered daily from December 19 to January 7, and on Saturdays throughout the winter season. Continue below. Check rates and availability at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe >>*Please note dates and offers were provided by The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe and are subject to change at any time.

Planning a trip to Washington D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration? We've pulled together a list of luxury hotels with availability* for Inauguration Day on January 20, 2017 and surrounding dates. As a point of reference, the ceremony is scheduled to begin at noon. The parade will follow at approximately 2:30 p.m., with public viewing areas typically opening at 6:30 a.m.

In honor of Election Day 2016 in the U.S.A, we're celebrating three All-American destinations where visitors can visit historic sites that played key roles in the country's history and freedoms. From Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., here are three great places to discover.

1. Philadelphia
Founded by William Penn in 1682, this city played a key role in the founding of the country. During the American Revolution, Philadelphia was a meeting place for the Founding Fathers of the United States. Within Independence Hall, the country's founders debated and ultimately signed the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Constitution (1787). Today, the Independence National Historic Park provides a hands-on history lesson, where visitors can see the Liberty Bell, as well as tour Independence Hall and the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Read more below.Tip: Spend the night across the street from the National Historic Park at the Hotel Monaco Philadelphia. Set within the Lafayette Building built in 1906, the boutique hotel offers iconic views, rooftop lounge overlooking Independence Mall, and a chef-driven restaurant.

2. Boston
"One if by land, two if by sea..."
One of the oldest cities in the U.S., Boston was the site of key events during the American Revolution, including the Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. From the east side balcony of the Old State House, the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed to cheering crowds by Colonel Thomas Crafts on July 18, 1776. Continue reading below the photo.Tip: Wake up to views of the Old State House at the Ames Boston Hotel. This boutique hotel combines a historic building with Romanesque arched windows and fireplaces, with modern design. Along the Freedom Trail, guest rooms have white marble rainshowers, hardwood floors, and large windows with historic views.

3. Washington, D.C.
The nation's capital city, there's a political point of interest on nearly every corner (or so it seems). From the White House lawn to the majestic National Monument, there are captivating points of interest. Spend the day exploring the Smithsonian Museums, take a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building, or discover the iconic Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, and veterans memorials. Continue below. Tip: The Hay-Adams Hotel offers views of the White House and St. John's Church. Built in the 1920s as a residential hotel, the boutique property offers the feel of a private residence, directly on Lafayette Square. In the evenings, retire for a cocktail at the Off the Record Bar, a popular place to be seen (but not heard) by politicos and visitors alike.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa is a singular, sophisticated triumph in North Carolina's northeastern Piedmont region, an area rich in beauty and rooted in innovation. Read more below the photos.
The state's most highly rated hotel, it boasts stunning interiors punctuated with privately curated fine art, 150 spacious guest rooms and suites, creative, locally sourced cuisine, a stimulating spa, state-of-the-art meeting spaces, gracious staff, and a serene woodland setting. The Umstead is a recipient of both the AAA Five Diamond award and Forbes Five Star rating.

Check rates and availability at the Umstead Hotel and Spa >>*The content of this article was provided by the Umstead Hotel and Spa. Rates and offers are subject to change.SaveSave

In the United States, election day, November 8th, is almost upon us. "The election is on everyone's minds, and hotels are using the event as a clever marketing tool to bring in business," said Ignacio Maza, the executive vice president of the Signature Travel Network.

In Washington, DC, The Dupont Circle Hotel located directly on the historic circle is offering Slice of the City: Your Vote, Your Stay through January 21st. Cast your vote by picking your political party.

The Republican Party Experience offers:
- 2 hand rolled cigars from W. Curtis Draper Tobacconist - Ulysses S. Grant's favorite pastime.
- A Theodore Roosevelt teddy bear to greet you in your room and a take-home gift.
- A dozen oysters and beer at Bar Dupont - Abraham Lincoln's favorite food.
- A $150 gift card to Brooks Brothers -where Abraham Lincoln had all of his suits made.
- A Round of golf for two at a local course with transportation - Dwight D. Eisenhower's favorite pastime.
-A take-home gift of "Knute Rockne-All American" movie and bag of jelly beans as your movie snack – the movie Ronald Reagan is best known for and of course, his favorite candy.

The Democratic Party Experience offers:
- A $150 gift card to Brooks Brothers for bright shirts and bowties - as Harry S. Truman loved to wear.
- Two tickets to The Spy Museum to enjoy the James Bond exhibition - John F. Kennedy's favorite movie series.
- Lunch for two at Bar Dupont - Savor a cheeseburger – an old Bill Clinton favorite or, to keep it healthy like modern day Bill Clinton, enjoy the Superfood Salad.
- Private tour of the Verizon Center to see the Wizards locker room, back stage, and the best views in the house - Barak Obama played basketball growing up and still plays on The White House's own courts.
- A take home gift of “Casablanca”, Barak Obama's favorite movie.

Both packages include:
- Luxurious accommodation.
- Presidential puzzles for some in-room entertainment, John F. Kennedy or Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
In-room books: Team of Tivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, John Quincy Adams; Militant Spirit by James Traub, Theodore Roosevelt in the Field by Michael R. Canfield, JFK and LBJ; The last Two Great Presidents by Godfrey Hodgson, and The American President; From Teddy Roosevelt to Bill Clinton by William E. Leuchtenburg.
- Political Collection Chocolates by Harper Macaw.

In Boston, the Hotel Commonwealth will help you avoid the election coverage with the Election Escape Package. The package includes an overnight stay for two, all television news channels in the room will be completely blocked, and all election/news sections will be removed from your daily newspaper. The hotel recommends upgrading to the Reading Suite so you can read anything else your heart desires. The serene suite features a curated collection of titles signed by the authors & a cozy reading nook (aka the respite your political brain craves).

In the United States, election day, November 8th, is almost upon us. "The election is on everyone's minds, and hotels are using the event as a clever marketing tool to bring in business," said Ignacio Maza, the executive vice president of the Signature Travel Network.

In Washington, DC, The Dupont Circle Hotel located directly on the historic circle is offering Slice of the City: Your Vote, Your Stay through January 21st. Cast your vote by picking your political party.

The Republican Party Experience offers:
- 2 hand rolled cigars from W. Curtis Draper Tobacconist - Ulysses S. Grant's favorite pastime.
- A Theodore Roosevelt teddy bear to greet you in your room and a take-home gift.
- A dozen oysters and beer at Bar Dupont - Abraham Lincoln's favorite food.
- A $150 gift card to Brooks Brothers -where Abraham Lincoln had all of his suits made.
- A Round of golf for two at a local course with transportation - Dwight D. Eisenhower's favorite pastime.
-A take-home gift of "Knute Rockne-All American" movie and bag of jelly beans as your movie snack – the movie Ronald Reagan is best known for and of course, his favorite candy.

The Democratic Party Experience offers:
- A $150 gift card to Brooks Brothers for bright shirts and bowties - as Harry S. Truman loved to wear.
- Two tickets to The Spy Museum to enjoy the James Bond exhibition - John F. Kennedy's favorite movie series.
- Lunch for two at Bar Dupont - Savor a cheeseburger – an old Bill Clinton favorite or, to keep it healthy like modern day Bill Clinton, enjoy the Superfood Salad.
- Private tour of the Verizon Center to see the Wizards locker room, back stage, and the best views in the house - Barak Obama played basketball growing up and still plays on The White House's own courts.
- A take home gift of “Casablanca”, Barak Obama's favorite movie.

Both packages include:
- Luxurious accommodation.
- Presidential puzzles for some in-room entertainment, John F. Kennedy or Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
In-room books: Team of Tivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, John Quincy Adams; Militant Spirit by James Traub, Theodore Roosevelt in the Field by Michael R. Canfield, JFK and LBJ; The last Two Great Presidents by Godfrey Hodgson, and The American President; From Teddy Roosevelt to Bill Clinton by William E. Leuchtenburg.
- Political Collection Chocolates by Harper Macaw.

In Boston, the Hotel Commonwealth will help you avoid the election coverage with the Election Escape Package. The package includes an overnight stay for two, all television news channels in the room will be completely blocked, and all election/news sections will be removed from your daily newspaper. The hotel recommends upgrading to the Reading Suite so you can read anything else your heart desires. The serene suite features a curated collection of titles signed by the authors & a cozy reading nook (aka the respite your political brain craves).

For panoramic views of the White House, Lafayette Square, Lafayette Park and St. John's Church, The Hay-Adams Hotel is the perfect destination. Originally built in 1928 as a residential hotel, this historical boutique property has a walnut paneled lobby, ornate plaster moldings, and Italian Renaissance-style architecture. Throughout the years, the hotel has hosted its share of celebrities including the Obama family, Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh and more. Guest rooms and suites feature luxurious amenities, unparalleled views of the White House and Washington Monument, plus a centralized location for sightseeing or business. Read more below the photo.

The hotel's location and rooftop terrace, Top of the Hay, make it a popular destination for hosting events, including the Author Series, where attendees get up-close-experiences with prominent international authors.

But, perhaps one of the hotel's most well-known spots is located in the downstairs of the building. The Off the Record Bar is a favorite place for guests and politicos to grab a drink. Selected by Forbes as one of the “World’s Best Hotel Bars”, the bar features a bespoke atmosphere with caricatures of Washington's political elite, both past and present. Red velvet tufted booths provide a vintage-inspired atmosphere to relax, while enjoying a cocktail, glass of wine, or small plate and the setting is the ideal place to be seen, but not heard.

The Michelin Guide unveiled its first D.C. rankings on Thursday, and 12 restaurants were awarded stars, including Plume! Continue reading below the photo.

Set within The Jefferson, the Plume pays homage to the hotel's namesake, President Thomas Jefferson. The award-winning restaurant offers a discreet and elegant setting, with cozy nooks, and an inviting fireplace. There's a seasonal menu, inspired by the harvests from Thomas Jefferson's kitchen gardens at Monticello, featuring classic dishes crafted using traditional techniques and fine ingredients, plus a wine selection geared toward oenophiles. Guests can make wine selections from a real-time, online wine list with 1,300 labels, including rare vintages from around the globe, and one of the last bottles of 1720 Madeira in the world.

The Jefferson Washington, D.C. is a stately luxury boutique hotel set within a Beaux Arts building. Combining European and Washingtonian style, the high end property features historical details and Jeffersonian-inspired details. There's an extensive art and historic document collection with pieces displayed throughout the hotel, Clefs d'Or Concierges, 24-hour butler service, The Petite Spa at The Jefferson, and a private book room with a fireplace for guests.

With four beautiful seasons of scenery and activities, Denver makes a great weekend getaway at any time of the year. But autumn at The Ritz-Carlton, Denver is top on our list. Offering an ultra-luxe setting in the heart of the Mile-High City, in the scenic Larimer Square, the luxury hotel is close to the Denver Convention Center, as well as boutique shops and upscale restaurants. Blending modern design with natural materials, the lobby has a breathtaking glass-blown chandelier, and guest rooms have plush interiors and spacious bathrooms with marble bathtubs. In addition to the city's natural beauty, and visiting must-see attractions like the U.S. Mint, here are two can't miss autumnal experiences at The Ritz-Carlton Denver. Read more below the photo.

1. Dining at ELWAY'S
Named after legendary Denver Bronco's hall of famer, John Elway, the hotel's signature restaurant is a six-time recipient of the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. Part of downtown Denver's innovative dining scene, the menu features the finest meats including ahi tuna and tender Buffalo ribeye, in an elegant dining room inspired by the American West with supple leather furnishings, wood accents, and an impressive wine wall. During football season the restaurant offers the "Game Day" Brunch Buffet with a home team-inspired spread that includes USDA prime steak & potatoes, breakfast burritos, pastries, and bottomless Bloody Mary or Mimosa options. Continue below the photo.

2. The "Flavors of Fall" package at The Ritz-Carlton Spa
Love all things pumpkin spice? Get ready to take it to the max with this pampering package. The session begins with a 50-minute aromatherapy massage, followed by a 50-minute Pumpkin Enzyme Facial. Then it's time for a Pumpkin Spice Pedicure that begins with an apple cider soak, followed by a honey sugar scrub and pumpkin spice mask for the toes. To top it off, guests are given a warm "Pumpkin Spice" cocktail to sip and savor during the experience. Read more below the photo.